Notes:
This pattern contains twisted cables (C5pF) worked over an odd number of stitches (5), that are superimposed onto an underlying k2, p1 rib pattern. There are cables with 3 crosses alternating with cables with 2 crosses, and the cable crosses are staggered so that in the cabled section, cable crosses are being made on either the 2-cross cables or the 3-cross cables on every right-sided row. Because of the way the cables are alternated, there needs to be an odd number of cables, so a pattern repeat is 12 stitches, or 2 cables, wide.

Abbreviations:
C5pF = slip 2 stitches off onto the cable needle and hold them in front of your work. Knit the next two stitches, purl the next stitch, then knit the 2 stitches on the cable needle.

Notes:
This pattern contains a twisted cable worked over an odd number of stitches (5). Usually, in such instances, the larger number of stitches would be crossed over the smaller (3 over 2), which has the effect of making the cable twists “puffier.” However, since that was not the effect I wanted, I wrote the pattern so that 2 stitches are crossed over 3. Purling the odd stitch helps ease the space those 2 stitches are required to cross in order to form the cable twist, and makes the cable twist less prominent. See below for explanation.

If you want a looser cowl, this pattern is worked in multiples of 14 stitches (a cable panel plus a ribbed panel). You can add a 5-stitch ribbed panel at one or both ends, to increase the overall length by as much as 10 stitches, or you can add a cable+rib panel combination to one end to increase the overall length by 14 stitches.

The Mail Lady’s Twisted Cable Hat

3 skeins of fingering weight (super fine:4) yarn in any combination you like.
US10 (6.0 mm) 16-inch circular needle.
A set of US10 (6.0) double pointed needles
A cable needle (or you can use a size US10(6.0 mm) double pointed needle instead).
At least one stitch marker for a row marker.

Locate the yarn end from each skein, and knot the three ends together. Knit using all three strands of yarn at the same time. I find it’s easier to work with if I roll the combined yarns into a single ball, rather than trying to deal with pulling yarn from three separate skeins at the same time. You will want to make sure you catch all three strands of yarn with every stitch.

This pattern features a twisted cable worked over an odd number of stitches (5), with a purl stitch in the middle to add definition. See below for explanation. If you want a looser cowl, this pattern is worked in multiples of 14 stitches (a cable panel plus a ribbed panel).

Cast on 84 stitches
Rows 1-7: *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 8: *p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 9: *p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 10: *p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 11: *p2, C2p2F p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1 repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 12: *p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Repeat rows 9-12 three times
Row 13: *p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 14: *p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 15: *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of row.

Decreases:
Row 16: *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, repeat from * to the end of the row. (70 stitches)
Row 17: *p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 18: *p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, repeat from * to the end of the row. (56 stitches)
Row 19: *p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 20: *p1, k1, p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, repeat from * to the end of the row. (42 stitches)
Row 21: *p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 22: *p1, k1, p2tog, k2tog, repeat from * to the end of the row. (28 stitches)
Row 23: *p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 24: *p2tog, k2tog, repeat from * to the end of the row. (14 stitches)
Row 23: *p1, k1, repeat from * to the end of the row.
Row 24: *p2tog, k2tog, repeat from * to the end of the row. (7 stitches)
Thread yarn through stitches and tie off. Weave in ends. Enjoy.

Abbreviations:
C2p2F = slip 2 stitches off onto the cable needle and hold them in front of your work. Knit the next two stitches, purl the next stitch, then knit the 2 stitches on the cable needle.